Support soars for Watercraft Ride for Dad

The lead rider heads out of Ranta Marina and south on the Detroit River during Sunday’s Watercraft Ride for Dad. The event was geared to raise both awareness and money in the fight against prostate cancer.

Watercraft riders head for Amherst Pointe during the July 6 Watercraft Ride for Dad, an event which raises money and awareness for prostate cancer.

Watercraft riders head out of Ranta Marina early Sunday afternoon as part of the Watercraft Ride for Dad. A total of 64 riders participated in this year’s event.

By Ron Giofu

The fourth annual Watercraft Ride for Dad was held Sunday with its organizer saying it brought in more money this year than last.

The Watercraft Ride for Dad was based out of Ranta Marina once again this year with the goal of not only raising money in the fight against prostate cancer, but to raise awareness of the disease as well.

“The whole key behind this event is we want to really give an awareness to prostate cancer,” said organizer Steve Kidd.

Kidd said current statistics show that one in seven men will develop prostate cancer so the sooner men are checked the better. He added that it should no longer be a “taboo topic” to discuss and he believes the message is getting out to the public.

The Watercraft Ride for Dad is becoming a more recognized event, Kidd stated, and that resulted in more sponsorships, donations and support. Local dealers showed new watercraft at the event as well as sponsored it, Kidd added.

A total of 64 riders took part this year, some coming from as far as Hamilton and Oshawa.

The previous Watercraft Ride for Dad events averaged about $10,000 per year but Kidd stated they passed that mark in 2014. They are now over $30,000 in total since the event began.

“This year, we are over that before we even hit the water,” he said. “It’s just a tremendous outpouring of support.”

Kidd pointed out that both Canada’s Towboat and the Canadian Coast Guard were on hand to lend support as well. The midway point of the ride featured racing demonstrations and a photo booth.

The weather was also key this year, added Kidd, as the sunny and warm conditions were a big improvement over the rainy, cool conditions that last year’s Watercraft Ride for Dad was held under.